7 Chain Restaurants Where You Can Get Your Pumpkin Spice Fix

Each Fall it seems that the Pumpkin Spice Craze begins earlier and earlier. This year the major players in the pumpkin game introduced their fall menus while the August heat was still blazing. It may not technically be Fall yet, but these 7 chains – all with convenient New England locations – are already releasing this year’s treats to their eager audiences.

Dunkin Donuts’

On August 17, Dunks introduced their social media craze, “Pumpkin Games”. Using #DDPumpkin and #Sweepstakes, pumpkin fans on Twitter and Instagram could win free beverages. They plan to release new Fall-themed drinks and pastries as the season progresses, but for now you can get your usual favorites – pumpkin spice latte, pumpkins donuts, munchkins and muffins, or take home the goodness with K-cups and ground coffee.

Starbucks

Although it’s blasphemy to choose Starbucks over Dunks, some New Englanders still do (you know who you are). Ok, so maybe they were the first to introduce the pumpkin spice trend, but that doesn’t mean they do it best! For those of you who do prefer the Seattle based coffee chain, this Fall has some new, exciting options. Enjoy a pumpkin-infused cheesecake bar, muffin, scone or sugar cookie.

Jamba Juice

America’s favorite addictive juice and smoothie bar is not to be left out. They will be offering a Pumpkin/Banana Almond Milk Smoothie and a traditional Pumpkin Smoothie. Jamba Juice has yet to launch their drinks for the season, but social media suggests they’re coming soon.

Olive Garden

In the mood for some pumpkin pasta? Just kidding, that hasn’t happened – yet. The Italian super-chain has however added a pumpkin cheesecake option to their dessert menu. If the fall flavor is your thing, rumor has it this treat is to die for.

McDonalds

The McCafe menu, designed to compete with the breakfast time success of Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks, introduced their own Pumpkin Spice Latte last year and will be bringing it back for 2016. With lower prices and the convenience of a drive-thru at every location, they have proven themselves to be big players in the coffee market. If you aren’t a devotee of another chain, give them a whirl this season.

The Cheesecake Factory

If you want cheesecake, what better place to go than to the masters themselves? Their Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake became available September 1st. Not up for dinner out? There are several copycat recipes online to help you make your own.

Dairy Queen

This past March Dairy Queen announced their plans to add 60 more Massachusetts locations over the next 5 years. If you are already lucky enough to have one in your neck of the woods – and you enjoy eating ice cream when it’s cold outside – you are in luck! The Pumpkin Pie Blizzard made its return two weeks ago and consists of vanilla soft serve with pumpkin pie pieces, topped with whipped cream and nutmeg.